Autism and Masking: How and Why People Do It, and the Impact It Can Have

by Felicity Sedgewick, Laura Hull, Helen Ellis

Autistic people often feel they have to present as neurotypical or perform neurotypical social behaviours in order to fit in. So-called 'masking' is a social survival strategy used by autistic people in situations where neurodiversity is not understood or welcomed. While this is a commonly observed phenomenon in the autistic community, the complexities of masking are still not widely understood.

This book combines the latest research with personal case studies detailing autistic experiences of masking. It explains what masking is and the various strategies used to mask in social situations. The research also delves into the psychology behind masking and the specifics of masking at school, at social events with peers, and at work. The book looks at the consequences of masking, including the toll it can have on mental and physical health, and suggests guidance for family, professionals, and employers to ameliorate negative effects.

With a diverse range of voices, including perspectives across gender, ethnicity and age, this is the comprehensive guide to masking and how to support autistic people who mask.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Disability, Research

269 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2021

Reviews

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel this book was trying to be too many things to too many different audiences which resulted in a rather shallow analysis of this complex behaviour.

There was also a lack of critical analysis of how the knowledge of this behaviour has been created and this may be down to the main authors being non-autistic (I felt the autistic author was used more for anecdotes)

It was however wonderfully accessible in its language and style which is refreshing but also inconsistent in that some areas were referenced while others just vaguely referenced to studies without any detail. In saying this it should be acknowledged that it isn't meant to be an academic text.

The authors clearly show respect and interest in both the subject and autistic people but I would have preferred to see this as solely an autistic project.

There was recognition of the research gaps and how new the interest in this subject is within the research community. This however made it feel premature and rushed in some ways. While reading it I did wonder what the motivation for writing this but perhaps that is more to do with the audience confusion.

Another issue is it was very white, heteronormative and gendered but if we are honest this is a wider issue for autism research in general.

The comparative stories between the autistic and non-autistic authors were an excellent way of showing the mental and physical toll of masking.

[Naomi Deaville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually rating: 3.5

Is quite a long read for a small book. Not always clear or easy to take breaks in-between chapters. Can be a bit of slug to get through a topic if not valid to you. Also some research is not valid as it was conducted during Covid although the book does note this throughout and does note it as a short coming. The book has a lot of detailed stories which tell the truth of autism not often heard outside social media. The usage of language is up to date and carefully chosen to cause offence to the reader. It has many great situations which are well researched and stated within the book.

[Mika · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible book! i loved it so much, it’s one of the best books on autism/autistic masking i’ve read so far, it literally changed my life. can recommend it to everyone (also non-autistic people)!

[Mr S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of depth, clarity & integrity

I really appreciate and respect the authors for their hard work and personal investment they put into writing this book. There is very real substance very clearly presented here. And it has really spoken into the depths of my own life experience and lightened the mental burden. 

I much prefer this to the Devon Price book which I found unbalanced and somewhat spiteful and militant. Autism & Masking has  lots of integrity and shows respect to autistics and non-autistic/ non-ND alike but clearly presents the real,  deep and crushing pain that autistics experience in life trying to fit in and hide the differences they fear they will be ostracised and bullied for. 

I really hope that plenty of non-autistic people living with,  working with, teaching,  treating and diagnosing autistic people read this with an open mind and learn from it also.

[Cavak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this would help people who aren't neurodivergent. While it's interesting to learn the actual studies, a brief overview of historical biases in medical studies, and to see that the latest studies are only now indulging into empathetic changes, I feel like that this book was written perhaps a tad too soon. Maybe in another ten years or so, the authors would have more to expand upon than what is currently known.

And medical biases aside, the wholehearted if well-meaning repeated recommendation to check social media for anything beyond the Caucasian cisgender experience is a bit disheartening. I read a book to read from a book, I don't want to be encouraged to read away from it unless I'm checking references. Liked the people who had autism shared their thoughts throughout the book though.

If you're autistic hoping for more than scientific experiments and personal anecdotes, Life on the Bridge: linking my world to yours as an autistic therapist might be more your jam for empathy and actionable advocacy.

[Danielle Warby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really suitable for Autistic folks - or anyone really. When authors talk about some folks being 'more autistic' than others, it's a red flag. I found this and other language activated my nervous system in unpleasant ways. I did skip through and read only the parts contributed by actual Autistic folks. But this book will not help you understand masking as an Autistic person. Recommend you read Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devon Price instead.

[Stark]

Really helpful

[Megan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched book that takes into account #actuallyautistic voices. The book is a little dry, but it deserves four stars as an excellent overview of the current research on autistic masking.

[The How Skills · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If you are interested in learning about masking and its impacts, this is the book for you! The authors give information and examples of how and why a person may mask, as well as guidance around masking. There are also sections aimed at families, healthcare professionals and employers.”

- Melanie, Coach at The How Skills